Hetch Hetchy Valley and the O'Shaughnessy Dam

The video explores the controversy surrounding the construction of the O'Shaughnessy Dam in the Hetch Hetchy Valley of Yosemite National Park. It highlights John Muir's opposition to the dam, the influence of the Progressive Movement, and the utilitarian conservation philosophy. The Raker Act authorized the dam's construction, leading to debates about environmental preservation versus resource utilization. The conflict is seen as a catalyst for the modern environmental movement, prompting reevaluation of national park policies and the creation of the National Park Service.

What was John Muir's perspective on the Hetch Hetchy Valley?

• He saw it as a potential site for urban development.

• He believed it was a sacred and beautiful natural area.

• He thought it was an ideal location for a new city.

• He considered it a barren and unremarkable landscape.

What was a key goal of the Progressive Movement in the early 20th century?

• To increase corporate power and influence.

• To promote laissez-faire economic policies.

• To expand the military and engage in more wars.

• To improve social conditions and reduce corruption.

What did utilitarian conservationists believe about natural resources?

• They should be preserved in their natural state at all costs.

• They should be conserved for sustainable use by future generations.

• They should be used for human benefit without any restrictions.

• They should be exploited as quickly as possible for economic gain.

Why did the preservationists initially succeed in blocking the dam project?

• They had more financial resources than the city of San Francisco.

• They convinced the public that the dam was unnecessary.

• The Interior Department denied the application twice.

• They had the support of the majority of Congress members.

What event shifted public sympathy towards San Francisco's need for the dam?

• The outbreak of a major war in the region.

• The great San Francisco earthquake of 1906.

• The completion of the transcontinental railroad.

• The discovery of gold in the Hetch Hetchy Valley.

What was a major issue with the Freeman Report?

• It was independently verified by multiple agencies.

• It was praised for its accuracy and thoroughness.

• It was rejected by the Army Corps of Engineers.

• It was biased as it was commissioned by San Francisco.

What was one of the promises made in the Raker Act that was not fulfilled?

• Providing free water to all California residents.

• Creating a new national park in the area.

• Constructing a loop road to improve public access.

• Building a new city in the Hetch Hetchy Valley.

What was a significant outcome of the Hetch Hetchy controversy?

• The immediate removal of the O'Shaughnessy Dam.

• The abandonment of all conservation efforts.

• The establishment of the National Park Service.

• The construction of more dams in national parks.

What is a major challenge in restoring the Hetch Hetchy Valley?

• The lack of public interest in the restoration.

• The high cost and complexity of removing the dam.

• The absence of any environmental benefits.

• The opposition from international organizations.

What did John Muir hope would result from the controversy over the dam?

• A complete halt to all dam constructions.

• A reduction in government involvement in conservation.

• A greater appreciation for the beauty of nature.

• An increase in urban development projects.